Tottenham have major worry behind the scenes as Postecoglou issues mount up
Tottenham Hotspur may have inadvertently allowed Son Heung-min’s future to become a secondary concern amidst their struggles under Ange Postecoglou.
While the futures of high-profile players like Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk have dominated headlines, Son’s situation could quietly develop into a significant issue for Spurs.
The South Korean star is nearing a critical juncture in his career, with the ability to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs just days away. Such a move would pave the way for a Bosman transfer once his current deal expires in June 2025.
Son’s contributions to Tottenham since his £23 million move from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 have been nothing short of legendary. With 169 goals in 425 appearances, he has consistently delivered, achieving double-digit league goals in every season since his Premier League debut.
However, as he approaches his 10th year with the club, uncertainty looms large over his future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The encouraging news for Spurs lies in Son’s own words. He has expressed a desire to remain in the Premier League, emphasizing that money won’t dictate his decisions.
Back in June 2023, he dismissed lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League, stating his pride in playing in his favorite league outweighed financial incentives. However, for Tottenham, the challenge now lies in addressing the role of Son as he enters the twilight of his career.
Turning 33 in July, his form this season has mirrored the struggles of many of his teammates, with a noticeable dip in performance during the 2024-25 campaign.
In 16 league matches, Son has scored just five goals and provided six assists, a decline when compared to his usual high standards. His output pales in comparison to Mohamed Salah, who, despite being the same age and also in the final year of his contract, has tallied an impressive 17 goals and 12 assists for Liverpool.
Even within the Tottenham squad, Son’s influence has waned. Brennan Johnson has outscored him, and Dejan Kulusevski has taken over as the team’s most creative force.
Once considered irreplaceable, there is now a growing sentiment that Spurs might benefit from sidelining Son. However, this view isn’t universally shared among the fanbase. Many still regard him as an essential figure, not just for his past contributions but also for his leadership qualities.
His candid reflections on Tottenham’s struggles underline his suitability as club captain, a role he fulfills with dignity and responsibility. Moreover, the lack of a clear successor to Son complicates any decision about his future.
The club’s options for replacing Son are limited and problematic. Timo Werner, brought in on loan, has been inconsistent in front of goal, while Richarlison continues to battle injury issues. Mikey Moore, touted as a potential heir, remains an unproven talent at just 17 years old and is recovering from a serious illness. Entrusting such responsibility to an inexperienced player in a struggling team could prove disastrous.
Allowing Son’s contract to enter its final months without resolution would represent a significant gamble for Spurs. With the team already underperforming, losing a player of Son’s experience, loyalty, and quality could destabilize the squad further.
He remains one of the club’s most cherished figures, both on and off the pitch, and letting him go without a solid contingency plan would be a grave error.
For Tottenham, the priority must be to restore order and stability, both on and off the field. In such uncertain times, keeping Son in the fold is not just prudent but necessary.
His leadership and proven track record can provide a foundation for rebuilding and moving forward. While his role in the team may evolve as he ages, his value to the club extends far beyond goals and assists. He embodies the spirit and resilience Tottenham will need to navigate their current challenges and emerge stronger in the future.